During the summer of 2020, a group of friends decided to embark on a hiking adventure in the mountains. As they packed their gear and set off early in the morning, excitement filled the air. They trekked through lush forests, crossed bubbling streams, and marveled at the breathtaking views from the mountain summit. However, as the sun began to set, they realized they had lost their way. With determination, they relied on their instincts and navigated through the darkness, finally reaching their campsite just in time to share stories around the campfire, grateful for the bond strengthened by their experience.

How does the author structure this paragraph?

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This phenomenon leads to an increase in greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This in turn causes significant changes in climate patterns, contributing to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and habitat loss for many species. Understanding global warming is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its effects on the planet.

How does the author structure this paragraph?

There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the solidification of molten magma or lava, such as granite and basalt. Sedimentary rocks develop from the accumulation of sediments, often containing fossils, like sandstone and limestone. Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rocks due to heat and pressure, resulting in examples like marble and schist. Understanding these classifications helps geologists study the Earth's processes and history.

How does the author structure this paragraph?

Both cats and dogs are popular pets, but they exhibit distinct differences in behavior and care. Cats are typically more independent, often requiring less attention and exercise than dogs. They groom themselves and can be content spending time alone. On the other hand, dogs are known for their loyalty and sociable nature, often needing regular walks and playtime with their owners. While both animals can provide companionship, their differing temperaments and care requirements appeal to different types of pet owners.

How does the author structure this paragraph about cats and dogs?

Making a sandwich is a straightforward process that can be broken down into several simple steps. First, gather all necessary ingredients, such as bread, deli meat, cheese, and condiments. Next, take two slices of bread and lay them flat on a clean surface. Spread your desired condiments on one or both slices. Then, layer the deli meat and cheese on one slice, adding any additional toppings like lettuce or tomato. Finally, place the second slice on top, cut the sandwich in half if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation.

How does the author structure this paragraph about making a sandwich?

Learning a new language is like planting a garden. At first, the seeds of vocabulary and grammar may seem small and insignificant. However, with consistent practice and nurturing, these seeds begin to grow into a rich and diverse collection of words and phrases. Just as a garden requires sunlight, water, and care, mastering a language demands time, effort, and exposure. Over time, the once bare plot transforms into a vibrant landscape of communication, flourishing with the ability to connect with others.

How does the author structure this paragraph about learning a new language?

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

How does the author’s use of repetition in this passage contribute to the overall message?

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

What is the primary purpose of the underlined line in this passage?

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

Which of the following excerpts from the text best supports the idea that the Administration will not discriminate against those in the opposing party?

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

How does the author develop the central idea of the importance of meaningful public service throughout the text?

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

What is the effect of the author’s use of words and phrases such as “initiative,” “responsibility,” “daring,” and “healthy controversy” on the tone of the text?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

How does Obama use specific examples in this text to support his message?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

What is the effect of Obama’s repetition of the phrase “This country is more…” in the text?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

What tone does Obama’s language in this speech create?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

What does the phrase “sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes” suggest about the government’s response to a crisis?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

How does Obama structure his argument in this passage to emphasize the need for change?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

Which of the following best describes a shared rhetorical strategy used by John F. Kennedy in his 1961 State of the Union address and Barack Obama in his 2008 pre-election speech?

Barack Obama, Night Before the Election Speech 2008: “This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work. This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news. We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.”

John F. Kennedy, State of the Union, 1961: “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget. Let it be clear that this Administration recognizes the value of dissent and daring—that we greet healthy controversy as the hallmark of healthy change. Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: ‘I served the United States Government in that hour of our nation’s need.’"

Which statement best describes the views of both Kennedy and Obama?

Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports the idea that both Kennedy and Obama emphasize the need for government leaders to address critical societal issues? Select two correct answers.